About PSI

Back to 1937 – an exciting time in history. For Bombay, now Mumbai it was a time of great political turmoil. The movement to gain independence was growing. It was also a time when pioneers and fine artists were experimenting with new ideas, seeking new directions and breaking new ground.

In this creatively charged atmosphere, three friends united by their common love for photography got together and decided to start a small Club. It was decided that this Club would be dedicated to the quest of developing and promoting the medium of photography as an art form. And that was the genesis of The Photographic Society of India.

Today, after almost 74 years of existence, the basic goals of the Society have remained unchanged. In fact, the generous contributions in terms of time, money, effort, and most importantly, ideas and knowledge from a long line-up of giants of Indian Photography have kept this quest alive, well and flourishing. Over the years, thousands of amateur photographers have found a platform to learn, experiment, create, teach, share, compete or simply show off their photographic mettle at The Society fondly known as The PSI.

The Managing Committee of the PSI has taken great pains to keep alive the tradition of sharing of knowledge and ideas. In fact, one of the best opportunities for budding photographers at PSI is the invaluable guidance and mentoring that they continually receive from senior members.

One of the most telling outcomes of all these activities is the continued success of PSI members at every major Indian as well as international competitions and salons – participation in which, by the way, is actively encouraged and coordinated by the PSI.

5 thoughts on “About PSI”

I am working on the history of scientific societies in India including photogrpahic societies. and trying to gather the following information – History, Branches, if any; Membership; Objectives; Functions; Facilities, and Publications of each society. I got some information from your website, but not all. I wonder whether you are bringing out any brochure during Platinum Jubilee. For your information I like to state that another Society of the same name was founded in Calcutta in 1888. It brought out a journal till 1927. With the best wishes. B K Sen